Travellers who mix business and pleasure will face increased scrutiny as the Tax Office cracks down on work-related expenses.
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Business travellers who mix work with pleasure will face increased scrutiny from the ATO this tax time as part of its crackdown on work-related expenses, industry experts warn.
The warning comes as fresh data shows Australians' business trips were twice as long as the rest of the world, averaging six nights compared to the global average of 3.5, according to Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller division.
Corporate Traveller said those blending business trips with personal leisure time, dubbed “bleisure” travellers, would continue to rise due to reduced flight costs and “strong travel trends”.
“This tax season, business travellers should take extra care to avoid scrutiny,” Global managing director Tom Walley said.
In May, the ATO said work-related expenses would be one of three focus areas this tax time along with rental deductions and a failure to include all income sources in lodgments.
It said over 8 million people made a work-related claim last year and urged taxpayers to follow “three golden rules”, including only claiming expenses if they spent money themselves and were not reimbursed, the expense was directly related to income and there was a record of the expense.
Moneywise Global general manager John Tuohy advised travellers to delay filing their taxes until they were fully prepared.
“There are over 14,000 pages of tax law in Australia, meaning there are lots of incentives and terms and conditions, and with the ATO focusing this year on work-related expenses, it’s particularly important to take that time to get it right, and to understand the nuances to avoid audit triggers.”
“So don’t rush it unless you know your tax is relatively simple and you’re expecting a refund,” he said, with the deadline for returns on 31 October, or mid-May if taxpayers registered with a tax agent.
Corporate Traveller’s flight bookings data found January, September and July were the most popular months for extended business trips, with travellers averaging 7.2, 6.5 and 6.2 nights away, respectively.
Key tips for “bleisure” travellers claiming work-related deductions included maintaining detailed travel diaries of work expenses and avoiding “double dipping” on claims.
“Travellers should keep a travel and expense diary. Often, appropriate annotations in your calendar tool noting dates, times, durations and places of work-related activities will suffice as a 'travel diary' for tax purposes and will substantiate deductions for specific and associated expenses,” Tuohy said.
If leisure travel was “incidental” to a business trip, more expenses such as accommodation and meals would be allowable as deductions.
Legitimate client entertainment expenses and weekend accommodation could also be deductible when business extended from Friday to Monday, he said, however paying to take family on trips or extending travel for leisure before or after work commitments would not.
“Don't be tempted to claim these on your tax,” he said.
Tuohy said day travel was also not an allowable expense. “Public transport, parking, tolls, taxi/rideshare, flights, meals and other incidental expenses that aren’t reimbursed by your employer will only be tax deductible when they are associated with an overnight work trip.”
Christine Chen
22 July 2024
accountantsdaily.com.au
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Avi Paluch became a partner in 1975. His client base comprises of professionals in a diverse range of industries, sole traders, national, multi-national and international groups in relation to taxation and management issues.
His clients also include large family groups and high net worth individuals. In addition, he is involved in a range of audits. Avi currently involves himself in various community boards in the capacity of honorary treasurer.
His other interests are being with his family and attending sports events.
Andrew Goldberger joined Guests in 1987. Prior to that he occupied a senior position with the Australia Taxation Office. As well as looking after a diverse range of groups of SMEs and high wealth individuals, Andrew is an expert in taxation. He has been involved in a number of Large Income Tax and State Revenue Audits and provides advice on various technical tax issues and areas of tax planning. Andrew also consults to other practitioners in these areas.
Andrew has also written articles for various taxation publications including CCH and participated in taxation focus groups. He is regularly called on to address various public practitioner groups on taxation matters and has conducted training sessions for CPA Australia.
Moshe joined Guests Accounting in 1985 and has more than 40 years of extensive experience. He has an indepth understanding of business and is responsible for a diverse group of clients and is in charge of the Superannuation Team and the Audit of superannuation funds.
Moshe’s knowledge in many different areas including business structuring, accounting, taxation, auditing, SMSFs and business planning in various industries enables him to provide advice on ‘the big picture’, taking into account both present and future needs of clients.
Moshe has been involved in various not-for-profit organisations during his career in an honorary capacity. This has given him a good grounding in the corporate governance area. Moshe continues his interest in the new regulatory environment of the not-for-profit sector.
Mory graduated from Monash University in 1979 and joined our team with more than 20 years experience. He is a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the CPA and a Fellow of the Association of Taxation and Management Accountants.
After more than 18 years experience with a Chartered firm, Mory travelled to the United Kingdom and gained invaluable experience working with various Accounting and Legal firms in London, developing operating systems and in investigative accounting roles.
Mory joined Guests in March 2002 and became a partner in July 2005, specialising in Taxation and Business Services. Mory has also served on the executive of community boards and not-for-profit organisations.
Gary Bryfman is a FCPA, having a Masters Degree in Taxation. His earlier accounting background was in industry, specialising in costing and budget preparations.
He has been a partner of Guests for 31 years. Gary has been involved in a number of Jewish organisations, including JCCV as honorary treasurer; CSG, JEMP and advisor to MDA executive.
Boruch brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team, having demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in accounting and taxation matters over the years. His commitment to providing outstanding client service that is solution- and results-focused has been attributed to our clients’ success.
Boruch’s leadership extends beyond his technical skills, he is also known for his ability to mentor and inspire his colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment within the practice.
Outside of work, Boruch enjoys spending quality time with his young family. His passion for outdoor adventures and family life reflects his balanced approach to both personal and professional endeavours.
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